Photo by andygates

By now we’re all well aware of the benefits of physical exercise; a longer life span, an increase in energy, looking good, feeling good, etc. But did you know specific physical movements also exercise your brain? These movements can enhance our concentration, coordination, memory, organisation skills, reading, writing and learning skills! They’re even being used for children and adults who’ve been labelled with “learning disabilities”. So what are these miracle movements, I hear you ask. Well, here are some that I’ve compiled from Brain Gym which are based on Kinesiology, or “the study of movement.”

Sitting or standing, cross ankles and same-side wrist. Touch palms, interlace fingers and draw hands to chest. Breathe deeply for 1 minute.

Turn head to right. Massage ears along fold. Do three times.

Slowly cross left arm over body and touch your right knees and vice versa.

Put index finger and thumb below collar bone and other hand over navel area. Gently press for 2 minutes.

Did you just try these moves in front of your computer? Good!

Now of course there are other forms of exercise for your noggin such as puzzles, crosswords and trivia quizzes, but the exercises above can be done anywhere and anytime.

Photo by Debbie in California

Have you heard of Neurobics? It’s a series of mental exercises that involves your 5 fives senses and emotions which present the brain with unexpected and novel experiences. In other words, they give your brain new tasks to deal with to keep it on its toes. Here are some Neurobics you can try out for yourself;

Turn the photos on your desktop or shelf upside down (that’ll be fun to explain to your guests!)

When you wake up, try smelling something different from the usual coffee or toast such as vanilla, peppermint or rosemary.

If you’re right-handed, use your left hand to brush your teeth, comb your hair, shave, etc.

Break your routine by driving a different way to work or by going to a different supermarket or eating in a different ethnic restaurant. Try to continuously experience new sights, sounds and aromas.

Give yourself a pat on the back if you partake in physical exercise, eat well and are a non-smoker. Now give yourself a great big hug if you exercise your brain as well! If you want to go one step further I suggest you check out Brain Gym by Paul E. Dennison, Ph.D., and Gail Dennison or Keep Your Brain Alive by Lawrence C. Katz, Ph.D.

“If you don’t use it, you lose it”

Big love,